Make your
drive to the NGS 2025 Family History Conference part of the fun with a
history-filled road trip. Bring a friend for twice the adventure!
The Route: Pittsburgh to Louisville (388 miles)
Three states. Six hours (plus stops!). One epic journey
through America’s family history corridor. The route from Pittsburgh—and points
further north and east—winds from Pennsylvania’s steel valleys through Ohio’s
heartland and into Kentucky bourbon country via I-70 West to Columbus, then
I-71 South to Louisville.
Pittsburgh: Gateway to the West
Don’t just
zip past Pittsburgh! Plan a stop at the Heinz History Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, where
history and genealogy come together. Beyond the fantastic exhibits—from the
acclaimed From Slavery to Freedom exhibition
to Heinz ketchup and Mr. Rogers—their Detre Library & Archives holds thousands of photos, maps,
and manuscript collections that might mention your ancestors. Warning: time
evaporates quickly in this treasure trove. Open daily.
Standing
where three mighty rivers meet in Point State Park, the Fort Pitt Museum tells
the story of Western Pennsylvania’s pivotal role during the French & Indian
War and American Revolution and life on the edge of the early frontier. Open daily.
Eastern Add-Ons: If you’re coming from further east (e.g., Philadelphia,
Baltimore), consider bypassing Pittsburgh and adding an overnight to explore
one or more of these historic treasures:
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield – Site of George Washington’s
first battle in 1754 and another stamp for your National Parks Passport!
- West Overton Village – Preserved 19th-century Mennonite settlement
- Meadowcroft Rockshelter – North America’s oldest known site
of human habitation
PIT STOP: Norwich, Ohio
As highway hypnosis threatens to
set in, the National Road & Zane Grey
Museum offers a
respite. This three-in-one gem features a 136-foot diorama chronicling America’s
first federally-funded highway—the same road your ancestors may have traveled
west. The museum also spotlights Zane Grey, whose Western novels probably
filled your grandparents’ bookshelves, and an extensive pottery collection.
Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Columbus: Midway Mark
Columbus isn’t just a convenient halfway stop—it’s a
research gold mine. The Archives & Library Research Room at the Ohio History Center
houses an extensive collection of manuscript materials, newspapers, photos,
books, maps, and government records. Consider making an appointment for a
personalized research experience. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Just south of downtown Columbus, the
historic German Village
showcases one of America’s most successful preservation efforts. Settled by
German immigrants in the mid-1800s, the area features brick streets, preserved
homes, and shops that reflect the community’s heritage. Walking tours run from
April through October.
DECISION POINT: Choose Your Trail
Trail
1: The Direct Route via Cincinnati
Follow I-71 straight through to
Louisville (114 miles)
Make Cincinnati your final stop before
Louisville at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The
center’s three pavilions represent courage, cooperation, and perseverance—the
qualities that enabled so many to seek freedom. Interactive exhibits and
firsthand accounts bring to life the history of the Underground Railroad
networks that operated across the Ohio River region. Open Tuesday through
Sunday.
Have Cincinnati roots? Don’t miss the Genealogy
& Local History Department at the Cincinnati & Hamilton
County Public Library. Their collection includes extensive Cincinnati records,
rare photos, digitized newspapers, family histories, and the Inland Rivers
Library covering Ohio River boat traffic between Pittsburgh and Louisville.
Open Monday through Saturday.
Trail
2: The Road Less Traveled
Add extra travel time but discover
hidden historical gems
Head south from Columbus on US-23 to Serpent Mound
near Peebles. This 1,348-foot-long prehistoric effigy mound is on a tentative
list for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For genealogists
researching Native American connections, the site offers context about the
indigenous peoples who shaped the Ohio Valley long before European settlement.
Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Next,
continue south to the John Rankin House in Ripley overlooking the Ohio
River. From this hilltop home, Presbyterian minister John Rankin and his family
helped approximately 2,000 enslaved people escape to freedom. If your research
includes African American heritage, standing on these floorboards connects you
to courage that records alone can’t capture. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Destination Louisville!
At the 2025
NGS Family History Conference, look forward to:
·
Cutting-edge
tools in action—AI, digital storytelling, and mapping technologies
·
Insightful
sessions and tours featuring Kentucky
records and Ohio Valley migration
·
Research
tracks covering African American, Native American, and military records
·
Advanced
skill-building through the BCG Education Fund workshop and Skillbuilding track
·
Fresh
approaches to preserving and sharing family stories
·
Real-world
case studies that show how genealogists solve complex research puzzles
And most
importantly—your people. One of the greatest benefits of attending in person isn’t
just the knowledge you’ll gain; it’s the community. Share breakthrough moments
over coffee with researchers who understand your excitement, exchange research
tips during lunch, and build your genealogy network during evening events.
These connections often lead to collaborative research opportunities and
friendships that last far beyond the conference.
Ready to hit
the road?
Reserve your spot now— registration
options include discounts for NGS members and NGS member organizations. Already signed up? Grab a social media badge and let folks know you’re heading
to Louisville!
Your
ancestors took the hard road—you get the scenic route. See you in Louisville!
